Realistic Fiction

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Transcript of Realistic Fiction

Blaire Bearnheart, Lydia Olson, & Melanie Wiggins Realistic Fiction What characteristics define realistic fiction? Form of fiction (not true)Accurately reflects life as it could be lived todayThe story could actually happen to real people in the natural physical worldCharacters have normal human powersLanguage and actions are believableSetting, culture, and social class in which they live are believableStory is not based on history and does not contain elements of historical fictionDoes not dictate specific moral and ethical beliefs What makes realistic fiction appealing to middle grades students? Many realistic fiction books depict the lives of people just like themMost of these books are coming-of-age, or have characters dealing with difficult challenges in adolescence, which can make students feel like they're not alone How does this genre lend itself to teaching content? Realistic fiction is based off of events that are probableStudents can relate to things that could be realityUseful in writing classes and to expand the writing abilities of students How can teachers better help students understand this genre? Appeals to students because they typically can relate to at least one character in the storyAllowing students to practice writing their own realistic fiction stories What criteria should be considered when evaluating literature from this genre? Are the stories engaging and true-to-life?Do they include characters that are well rounded, but also wise and foolish as they grow and change?Is there an accurate reflection of contemporary human life without stereotyping?Is it sensitive to all people regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, SES status, social group, or culture? Does the plot appeal to YA's? Does the plot inspire?Is the setting believable? Is there appropriate treatment of violence?Does the language accurately reflect the characters? How to choose appropriate texts for your classroom Book lists from Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/realistic-fictionUse your peer relationshipsRead and evaluate the text before handing it to students Key Authors Sarah DessenLaurie Halse AndersonJohn GreenEllen HopkinsJudy BlumeKate DiCamilloJacqueline Woodson What about classic and essential genres in realistic fiction? Sub-Genres: Historical ContemporaryMysteryHumor Awards Schneider Family Book AwardAlex AwardThe Pura Belpré Award Realistic, realistic fiction... How should I use this in my classroom? Ensure that students can gain more in depth understanding of problems and relationshipsExpand students' references to view life from other perspectivesEnsures children that their problems are not unique and they are not alone Graphic novelsPoetry Can this be controversial? Realistic fiction has many controversial topics: DeathDivorceMoral choicesMental, physical, and behavioral challenges AbuseHomosexualityHomelessness and povertySexismRacism https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/realistic-fiction